Should I Share My Baby's Name With Others?

After months of consideration, you’ve settled on the perfect baby girl name or baby boy name and you can’t wait to share your baby name announcement with friends and family.

But should you reveal your choice of baby names?

Choosing a name for your baby is one of the most fun and exciting parts of pregnancy. It’s a first step toward getting to know the new person you are bringing into your world, and it’s a deeply personal decision. All parents want to choose the name that is just right and share their choice with loved ones.

You may wish to include family and friends in your decision by hosting a baby naming party, or you may be leaning toward choosing a family name. But whether you choose to share your baby’s name or not, and before you mull over baby name announcement ideas, there are a few important things to keep in mind.

1. Be Diplomatic

Remember your loved ones are eager to welcome your baby, and they want to be part of your experience. If you opt not to share the name you’ve chosen in advance, remember their feelings. Gently explain your reasons or the name meanings, smile, and ask for their support. They’ll just have to wait for your social media post and baby name announcement card.

2. Be Definite

Sharing your name choice may evoke a response that you don’t want to hear. If you’ve chosen a name, be assertive. “We’ve decided on Brunhilda. We love it, and we’re very excited.” Most people will politely keep their opinions to themselves if they know you’re set on a name.

3. Be Prepared

Whether you share your baby’s name while you’re pregnant or wait until after she’s born, expect a reaction. Negative reactions can sting, so prepare yourself. “I’m sorry you don’t love the name Brunhilda as much as we do. You can call her Hildy if you like.”

4. Be Excited

You’re not choosing a name for your mother or your sister or your best friend: You’re choosing it for your baby. Don’t be nervous—be excited! You don’t have to please anyone else.

5. Be Patient

Your friends and family are going to love this baby no matter what name you choose. If the initial reactions aren’t what you’d hoped, give them time to come around. Remember what Shakespeare said: “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”
If you still need ideas, consult our Baby Name Generator, where you can search an exhaustive list of baby names by gender, popularity, meaning and more. We’ve also rounded up the top baby names in 2017 to inspire you.